Print

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

4.9 from 150 reviews

Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts in a lemon garlic butter sauce, served over creamy Parmesan-infused long-grain rice. This easy stovetop recipe combines the richness of butter and cream with the brightness of fresh lemon juice and garlic, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Sauce

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth (divided)

Rice

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Other

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prep and Season the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, ensuring all pieces are coated for consistent flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Scampi Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the lemon juice and ½ cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it slightly reduces and thickens.
  4. Cook the Garlic Parmesan Rice: In a separate saucepan, combine the rinsed long-grain rice with the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth. Cover and cook over low heat until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy texture. Season the rice to taste with salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken strips to the garlic butter scampi sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat the chicken fully. Let it heat together on low heat for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy Garlic Parmesan Rice first, then top with the garlic butter chicken scampi. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Slice the chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent undercooked or overcooked pieces.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and authentic flavor in the rice.
  • When reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy sauce texture and prevent dryness.

Keywords: Chicken Scampi, Garlic Parmesan Rice, Lemon Garlic Chicken, Creamy Rice, Stovetop Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Quick Chicken Dinner